Grand Canyon South Rim Hotels to Close Overnight August 31

Grand Canyon National Park will close all overnight accommodations on the South Rim beginning Monday, August 31, after flash flooding along Bright Angel Canyon damaged infrastructure that supplies water to the park. The park will remain open for day use, but visitors should expect significant water conservation measures and changes to camping and lodging operations.

The flooding on August 29 caused extensive damage in the inner canyon, including damage to the Transcanyon Waterline. According to the National Park Service, the waterline is not currently operational, leaving the park with limited water reserves. Stage 4 water restrictions will begin on the South Rim at noon on August 31 and remain in place for the foreseeable future.

South Rim overnight lodging will stop August 31

All park concessions will halt overnight accommodations starting Monday, August 31. The closure includes facilities operated by Xanterra, such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Phantom Ranch. Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village are also included.

The overnight lodging changes apply to accommodations inside the park. Hotel accommodations located outside Grand Canyon National Park in the town of Tusayan will not be affected by changes to park operations, according to the park.

What campers and day visitors need to know

Only dry camping will be allowed on the South Rim. Spigots at South Rim campgrounds will be turned off, although bathroom faucets will remain operational. Visitors planning to camp should be prepared to bring the water they need rather than relying on campground spigots.

All fires are prohibited on the South Rim and in inner canyon areas. The restriction applies to wood-burning and charcoal fires, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbecues.

• South Rim overnight accommodations will stop operating on August 31.
• Only dry camping will be permitted.
• Campground spigots will be turned off, while bathroom faucets will remain operational.
• No wood-burning or charcoal fires will be allowed.
• The park will remain open for day use.

Food, medical, and postal services remain open

South Rim food and beverage services will continue operating, along with the Grand Canyon Clinic and the Post Office. The park cautions that some services may operate on reduced schedules.

Grand Canyon National Park is asking residents and visitors to help extend the available water supply. Recommended conservation steps include keeping showers to five minutes or less, turning off faucets while brushing teeth or shaving, flushing toilets selectively, running only full loads of laundry, and reporting leaks to the appropriate offices.

The National Park Service said the restrictions are intended to protect the park’s limited water reserves while repairs and recovery needs follow the flooding. Visitors should account for the changed lodging, camping, fire, and water conditions before making South Rim plans.

Official source: Read the original Grand Canyon National Park news release.

For more current park information, see Grand Canyon News & Updates.

GrandCanyonVisitorCenter.com is an independent visitor-information resource and is not operated by the National Park Service.